GBF + Biology as a Science

descriptive research

A type of research method focused on observing and describing characteristics of a subject without manipulating variables.

comparative investigations

A research method that compares 2 or more groups or conditions to understand their similarities and differences.

experimental investigations

A research method that involves manipulating one or more variables to determine their effect on another variable, allowing for determination of cause-and-effect relationships.

correlation

statistical relationship between variables; a change in one is associated with a change in the other

descriptive biology

branch of research in biology where things are observed and data are collected without manipulating variables

exploratory biology

branch of research in biology that seeks to find explanations for unanswered questions

hypothesis

testable & falsifiable proposed explanation for observed phenomenon, pattern, or trend in natural world

WHY / HOW something happens

prediction

measurable outcome of study designed to test a hypothesis

WHAT will happen in given condition

the Great Bear Rainforest

one of the most productive places on Earth in BC, Canada

productive system in nature

capable of harnessing energy (from the sun) and efficiently converts it to large amount of plant and animal life [generate lots of biomass]

biomes

regions of similar climate & dominant plant types

tropical forest

little seasonal variation in climate

highest biodiversity & primary productivity

soil heavily leached & nutrient-poor - high decomposition rates

savanna biomes

lower yearly rainfall & longer dry seasons

dry season fires - role in nutrients recycling

rich diversity of large herbivores

desert biomes

low precipitation

perennial shrubs; therophytes (warm deserts)

net primary productivity is low & very variable

grassland biomes

large seasonal temperature variations; hot summers & cold winters

varied precipitation; strong summer peak

grassland biomes

large seasonal temperature variations; hot summer & cold winters

varied precipitation; strong summer peak

• selective forces: recurring fires, periodic drought, grazing

temperate deciduous forest biomes

cool winters warm summer, high precipitation

mod productivity, high litter prod

biodiversity relatively high

mediterranean climate biomes

5 regions; hot & dry summer, cool & moist winters

unrelated evergreen, shrubs, trees evolved separately - convergent evolution

net productivity mod; fires aid in nutrient cycling

northern coniferous forest biomes

drought tolerant

long, cold winters & short, cool summers

low biodiversity & net primary productivity

tundra biomes

marshy area, short growing seasons

very low productivity & low biodiversity

biome of GBRF?

temperate rainforest

salmon are ‘anadromous’

born in freshwater, migrate to sea, then migrate BACK to freshwater

isotopes

different version of elements that differ in number of neutrons, but not e- or p+

_____ isotopes accumulate across food chains since ___ isotopes are excreted preferentially

heavier ; lighter